Vol. LXXXIII No. 51 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Jewish Community Center to Host Premiere of NOVA: Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land by KIM ROGERS for the first official examination since Yadin excavated Communications Specialist there. Approximately 150 finds included coins, parts of Nebraska Educational Telecommunications papyri, bags, nails, furniture pieces, cooking impleLINCOLN--In December, 1953, a small group of ments, parts of woven sacks and other artifacts--which archeologists, led by Prof. Yohanan Aharoni, visited were captured on film by an endoscopic camera, handone of the most famous and largest caves ever discov- held by Omaha physician, Dr. Gordon Moshman. ered in Israel’s Dead Sea region: the Cave of the Letters. In the summers of 2000 and 2001, a multidisciplinary It was, by all accounts (and still remains), one of the scientific team led by Freund returned to the cave with most dangerous to enter--and the most fruitful of the 38 the latest archaeological techniques, hoping to find caves excavated from 1947-70. more traces of Bar-Kokhba’s epic struggle. In the gloomy cave perched high in a canyon near The story of the cave and the people who occupied the Dead Sea, archaeologists made a startling discovery it 2,000 years ago is a production of the Nebraska ETV 13 years later--a bag containing letters written on papyrus nearly 2,000 years ago. The letters were written by one of the great figures of Jewish history, the rebel BarKokhba, who led a heroic guerrilla uprising against the Romans. Despite these efforts by famed archeologist Yigael Yadin to investigate the cave, it was never fully excavated. The roof had fallen in several locations, covering artifacts and even entrances to other Researching the Cave of Letters in Israel’s Negev desert required climbing around a narrow ledge, parts of the cave. Photo by Carl Milone, UNO Television 600 feet above the canyon floor. Technology and funding were unavailable and efforts were abandoned. Network for broadcast on the national PBS series But one of the original excavators, Baruch Safrai, an “NOVA.” The episode, Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land, Israeli sailor and Kibbutz member with an archeologi- premieres at the Jewish Community Center in Omaha cal background, knew the cave held secrets far beyond on Monday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m. those uncovered. In 1997, he contacted Prof. Richard The event is free and open to the public. NETV proFreund (then an assistant history professor at the ducer Gary Hochman, NETV audio engineer James University of Nebraska and Director of the Bethsaida Lenertz and “NOVA” staff members will be available to Excavations) with stacks of literature. The material sug- answer questions from the audience about the program gested that others, too, recognized the potential of the following the premiere. finds; Safrai hoped Freund could gather a team to comFive years ago, Dr. Freund spoke about the Cave of plete the work. the Letters and its secrets at the Sidney Brooks In July of 1999, 14 scholars, students and UNO Memorial Lectures. The results of the excavations capTelevision ventured back into the Cave of the Letters Continued on page 2
10 Elul, 5764 August 27, 2004
Israeli Wins Gold in Sailing Winning Israel’s firstever gold medal in the Olympics was Gal Friedman, who sailed to first place in the Mistral Class event Wednesday. He’s also the only Israeli to have won two Olympic medlas--the first, a bronze in the Atlanta Games in 1996. Credit: ISRANET More Olympics coverage on pages 2-3.
Temple Israel to Honor Jewish Veterans on Yom Kippur by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator This year, as Temple Israel explores and celebrates the 350-year history of Jews in America, the congregation will honor Jewish war veterans on Erev Yom Kippur, Friday, Sept. 24. There will be two worship services, at 6 and 8:15 p.m., that evening. The veterans of any wars in which Americans have fought will be given the honor of participating in the Kol Nidre service on Yom Kippur.
“The Jews of America have played an important role in many aspects of the Jewish American saga. An area that seems to be at times neglected and not talked about is the involvement of Jews in defending and protecting this great country,” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel. “Kol Nidre, a night of reckoning, self-examination, and commemoration, gives our congregation a chance to celebrate and remember the heroism and courage of our members on the battlefields of our nation.” Jewish war veterans from any branch of the United States military service who are members of Temple Israel are requested to call Rosie Zweiback, program director at Temple, at 556.6536. Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, both wars in Iraq, as well as any hostilities in which Americans fought are welcome to call and participate in the sacred rituals of this most holy night of the Jewish year.
‘Guy & Bob Show’ to Spotlight Four Active-Duty Israel Officers by DIANE AXLER BAUM For Jewish Educational & Library Services Four Israel Defense Forces officers, making an exclusive visit to Omaha courtesy of the 2005 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign, will offer a sneak preview to their other scheduled events at a “Special Edition of the Guy & Bob Show,” Tuesday, Sept. 7, noon, in the JCC’s Kripke Library. As with every session, this special edition is free and open to the public, and brown bag lunches are welcome. The special edition will be the only session in September, with the regular weekly schedule resuming Oct. 5. Hosted by Guy Matalon and Bob Wolfson, the popular Lunch and Learn sessions focus on world events of importance and interest to the Jewish community. Matalon, Director of Jewish Educational & Library Services (JELS), and Wolfson, Director of the ADL/ CRC, offer their knowledge and understanding to every discussion, on such hot topics as Israel, the
Inside
Members of the Israel Defense Force check for bombs at the military checkpoint of Kalandia on Jerusalem’s northern outskirts. Four IDF members will be speaking in Omaha Sept. 7-21 (See Credit: ISRANET. related story on page 3).
This Week: More Olympic Coverage, Pages 2-3 On the Front Lines with the JCC’s Shlicha: Page 3
Omahan Named Page at RNC Convention: Page 5
Middle East, the Road Map, and anti-Semitism. Matalon and Wolfson will launch the Sept. 7 session with general remarks about the evolving role of Israel’s IDF. They will touch on a number of realities, including the mandatory nature of military service for women and men in Israel, the youthfulness of most who serve, and the high respect afforded the military by other Israelis. Once Matalon and Wolfson introduce the four activeduty IDF men and women, the floor will be open for discussion and questions. “We are extremely pleased that active-duty men and women are being excused from their posts to come to Omaha. It’s great that our community will have a chance to meet them in many different settings,” Matalon said. Wolfson added, “Our Sept. 7 ‘Guy and Bob Show’ promises to be a most interesting event!” More information is available from Mary Sue Grossman in the JELS office: 334.6445 or mgrossman@jewishomaha.org
Coming Next Month: New Year’s Special Issue on Sept. 10 Monthly Calendar for September: Pages 6-7
Pavel Tsyrlin Named Keiser-Stoms Recipient: Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 27, 2004
PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK 3706 South 132nd Street • 402/330-5050
Letterhead • Brochures • Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards
FOR SALE
2 Burial Plots Beth Israel Cemetery. Originally $1000. Now at $500 each. Illinois resident. Please contact Robert Wolf 708748-0988.
Gary Kuklin
Relocating? Inbound to Omaha Outbound from Omaha Or just from Here to There... I can help you in all relocation matters whether it’s Housing, Financing, Schools, Moving and more! Please call toll free for assistance. Local REALTOR® National Network
402.880.1887 800.876.2088 gary@garykuklin.info
Compassionate Caregiver Seeks full-time position for end of life care in home setting. 35 years experience in both nursing facilities and private homes yields impeccable references. Clients cared for with dignity and respect despite nature of illness. All aspects of client care: invalid or ambulatory. Services include light housekeeping, cooking, errands, doctor appointments, and hospital companionship. References available on request Contact: Virginia LoParco
402-651-7908 Beware of Low-Yielding CDs! Most people do not associate CDs with risk. After all, they offer guaranteed income and are FDIC-insured up to $100,000 per financial institution. But CDs can become risky if you depend too much on them to reach your long-term financial goals. When you’re planning for retirement or saving for your children’s education, you may have to look elsewhere for the growth you need. Before your CDs automatically roll over, call me to find out about alternatives—such as tax-deferred annuities—that may help you make progress toward long-term goals. Annuities have limitations and withdrawl charges.
Joseph M John, CLU, ChFC Financial Planner Pruco Securities Registered Representative 440 Regency Pkwy., Suite 150 Omaha, NE 68114 402/926-2850
Annuities ARE NOT INSURED BY FDIC OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
MAY LOSE VALUE
ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE
Annuities issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, 751 Broadstreet, Newark, NJ 07102-3777, and its affiliates. The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates are Prudential Financial Companies. Each company is solely responsible for its respective financial condition and contractual obligations. Guarantees are based in the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Prudential Financial is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. IFS-A078727 Ed. 3/2003
At Ceremony for Munich Victims, Widow Presses for Official Recognition by JEAN COHEN ATHENS (JTA)--Several political and sports dignitaries attended a memorial service held here for the 11 Israelis killed at the 1972 Summer Olympics at Munich. But the widow of one of the Israelis killed by Palestinian terrorists at the Munich Games stole the show at the Israeli ambassador's residence. In her speech, Ankie Spitzer pressed Dr. Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, to hold a memorial for those killed as part of the Olympic Games. “Dr. Rogge, you were an President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Jacques Rogge, speaks at a memoriOlympian in Munich, you al service for the 11 Israeli athletes killed by Palestinian terrorists during the 1972 Summer were the brother of the 11 Olympics at Munich, Aug. 19, in Athens. Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyanni is seated in the right murdered athletes. All of hand corner, and Israeli Cabinet minister Limor Livnat is third from left in the white jacket. Credit: Samy Negrin you were part of this great Said Hashivian: “We Olympic family,” said Spitzer, whose husband, fencing swore in Munich that we coach Andre Spitzer, was among the 11 killed. “Then will continue participatwhy is it that tonight we are standing here at the Israeli ing in sport events all ambassador’s residence. We should have this memorial over the world and we in front of all athletes sponsored by the IOC, because do so, showing to terror this is not an Israeli issue. This concerns the whole that they did not kill our Olympic family.” athletic spirit.” Many of the nearly 300 people in attendance at the The world was again Aug. 19 service gave Spitzer a standing ovation. reminded of the way polAfter Spitzer spoke, Rogge, who competed in yachtitics is interwoven into ing at the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympics, took the the Olympic Games last podium. He told the audience that he “was one of the week in Athens, when an 7,000 athletes representing 121 countries in what should have been a festival of sport, of humankind and Ankie Spitzer, widow of Israeli Iranian athlete refused to friendship. But these games were sent into darkness. fencing coach Andre Spitzer. fight his Israeli competiThe fifth of September, 1972, changed the face of the Credit: Samy Negrin tor in judo. Hashivian was followed Olympic movement and the Olympic Games forever.” Rogge discussed typical Olympic themes--brother- by Yakov Arar, the chief rabbi of Greece, who recited hood, friendship and the need to keep politics out of the Mourners Kaddish for the athletes. On Sept. 5, 1972, the athletes were taken hostage by the Games--but did not respond to Spitzer’s request to members of the Palestinian Black September terrorist remember the slain athletes at the Games themselves. “I was very disappointed” in Rogge’s speech, Spitzer group. The terrorists killed their hostages during a botched rescue attempt by German police at the told JTA after the service. But she admitted that Rogge’s presence at the cere- Furstenfeldbruck military airport. Israel’s ambassador to Greece, Ram Aviram, was mony, the first time a sitting president had attended such a ceremony since the Munich Games, “was a step pleased with the ceremony. “The event was marked by the Greek government in a very honorable way. The in the right direction.” Rogge was not the only dignitary in attendance. perception in Greece, along with the other free nations Prince Albert of Monaco, Athens Mayor Dora of the world, is that terror must be fought in all of its Bakoyanni, Greece’s interior minister, Prokopis forms.” For her part, Spitzer vowed to press on. Pavlopoulos, Israeli Cabinet minister Limor Livnat, were “When we went to Montreal four years after Munich there, as well as the former president of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio and asked for a memorial we were laughed at,” she said. “We have suggested the minimum of one minute Samaranch. First to the podium was Tzvi Hashivian, the president of silence without even mentioning that they were of the Israel Olympic Committee. Hashivian made it Israelis or Jews, but nothing happened. Yet we will go on until we succeed.” clear that terror will never deter Israeli sports.
Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land to Premiere at JCC Continued from page 1 tured on film by UNO Television has now been developed into a full-length feature documentary, which Omahans will see first on Sept. 13. And Freund has come up with tantalizing new finds that led him to a radical and controversial theory. Could the treasure concealed in the cave be a long-lost relic of the great temple in Jerusalem destroyed by the Romans? “NOVA” joins Freund in this fascinating detective hunt that plunges him into the heated scholarly debates of Biblical archaeology. Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land airs on the “NOVA” series on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m., on the statewide Nebraska ETV Network. The Nebraska ETV Network and NETV2 are services of Nebraska Educational Telecommunications. Right: Dr. Fred Strickert, left, and Dr. Gordon Moshman, center, use the colonoscope to take pictures between the rocks as Carl Mione videotapes the process. Standing in the back Photo by Dr. Harry Jol. is Prof. Rami Arav.
August 27, 2004
From the Front Lines by PAM MONSKY from a terrorists’ bomb. This Federation Communications fact is never far from our Director minds,â€? she insisted. Fresh from the front lines Does she believes the conto the camp lines, Sigal flict between Israel and the Sharvit, 21, spent this sumPalestinians would ever be mer in Omaha as the resolved? She took a deep shlicha (community emisbreath and replied, “You sary) for the Jewish know, I don’t think about Community Center’s sumwhether the situation will mer camp program. Sigal, be resolved or not. Most of whose hometown is Kiryat the soldiers, myself includYam, Israel, completed her ed, concentrate on the small military service in the Israel things and the small deciDefense Forces (IDF) just sions.â€? three weeks before arriving Finally, we talked about in Omaha in May. the differences between the I had a chance to speak American and Israeli perSigal Sharvit at JCC Summer Camp with Sigal about her military ception of military service. service before she left Omaha recently. Because the “The Zionist motivation is still very strong for us,â€? Sigal Jewish Federation of Omaha is kicking off the 2005 explained. “In Israel, there is tremendous respect for Annual Campaign with a visit from four active-duty IDF military service‌it’s a big honor to serve. We are also officers Sept. 7-12, I was interested in learning how the dealing with big issues‌we’re defending our own bortypical young Israeli views Israel’s mandatory military ders from terrorist threats every day,â€? she added. service. The four active-duty IDF officers who are coming to “The reality is not like the newscasts,â€? Sharvit insist- Omaha will provide their own fascinating first-hand ed. What she meant was that the average soldier’s day- accounts of their service in Israel. Their visit here is an to-day duties do not include bulldozing the homes of Omaha exclusive to kick off the Jewish Federation’s Palestinians or storming through the streets of Gaza 2005 Annual Campaign, scheduled for Sept. 7-12 The with guns drawn. So I asked her to describe some of entire community is invited to meet the IDF soldiers the routine situations she encountered as a soldier. and make a pledge to the 2005 Campaign at the events, “Most of us deal with Palestinians at the blockades,â€? co-chaired by Jody Malashock and Marcia Pitlor. she began. “They have about 10 seconds to explain to The money raised through the Federations Annual us why they need to go into Israel and we (the soldiers) Campaign funds Jewish causes locally and overseas. have about three seconds to decide if they get in or For more information, please contact me at 334.6431 or not.â€? pmonsky@jewishomaha.org. As I listened to Sigal talk about her service in the IDF,
IDF Soldiers’ Schedule for Visits Sponsored by the Jewish Federation Tuesday, September 7, 10 a.m. Lion of Judah, Double Chai, Pomegranate, and Ben Gurion Society Campaign Divisions Tuesday, September 7, Noon “The Guy and Bob Show� Special Edition Sneak Peek at the Kripke Federation Library Tuesday, September 7, 6 p.m. BBYO and Synagogue Teen Youth Groups Location: JCC Teen Lounge Tuesday, September 7, 7 p.m. Community Parlor Meeting Home of: David & Debi Kutler Co-hosts: Paul & Sandy Epstein Wednesday, September 8, 7:30 a.m. Community Parlor Meeting
Location: Kripke Federation Library Hosted by: Arnold & Sheryn Joffe, Steve & Margo Riekes, Howard & Gloria Kaslow Wednesday, September 8, 5 p.m. Pacesetter, Jr. Pacesetter and Ben Gurion Society Campaign Kickoff Wednesday, September 8, 7:30 p.m. Young Leadership (men and women, ages 25-45) Home of: Lori & Michael Miller Thursday, September 9, 10 a.m. Community Parlor Meeting Home of: Mark & Jill Belmont Co-hosts: Tom & Keri Workman Thursday, September 9, 1 p.m. Community Parlor Meeting
it became clear that she and her fellow soldiers have a strong humanitarian view of the Palestinian people. “It’s very difficult to deny entry into Israel for the Palestinians. Many of them are families with lots of kids who are just trying to find work,� she said. But the undeniable truth is that Sigal and every other soldier are the first line of defense against terrorists. “It’s true that we (the soldiers) are dealing with huge issues at a very young age. But most of us know someone who’s been killed or injured, either in combat or
$V \RX IDVW WKLV <RP .LSSXU UHPHPEHU WKDW PLOOLRQ $PHULFDQ FKLOGUHQ ZLOO QRW EUHDN WKHLU IDVW DW VXQGRZQ 2XU DQFHVWRUV OHIW WKH FRUQHUV RI WKHLU ÂżHOGV IRU WKH SRRU DQG WKH VWUDQJHU
Home of: Nancy Rips Co-hosts: Keith & Judy Josephson Thursday, September 9, 5:30 p.m. Men’s Campaign Kickoff at the JCC Friday, September 10, 10 a.m. Home of: Donald & Maggie Gerber Co-hostess: Joanie Kaiman Sunday, September 12, 10:30 a.m. Community Parlor Meeting Home of: David & Andi Willensky Co-hosts: Bob & Robyn Freeman Sunday, September 12, 7 p.m. Community Parlor Meeting Home of: Steve & Patty Nogg Co-hosts: Steve & Dodi Redler
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
JTA BRIEFS THE 2004 OLYMPICS • Israeli judo bronze medalist Arik Ze’evi has been awarded a full college scholarship. After promising in June to grant scholarships to two students of the Interdisciplinary Center who would be competing in the Olympic Games should they return home with medals, the center’s president, Uriel Reichman, made good this week. Ze’evi, a third-year law and business student, will receive a full ride toward completing his studies. “For us you were always gold,â€? Reichman said of Ze’evi. The other student, also a judoka, did not win a medal in Athens. Photo credit: ISRANET • World judo’s governing body declined to penalize an Iranian athlete who refused to compete against an Israeli at the Athens Olympics. Despite earlier statements by Iranian officials that Arash Miresmaeili would not fight Udi Vaks on Aug. 15 because of Iran's political boycott of Israel, the International Judo Federation accepted the argument that Miresmaeili didn’t fight simply because he didn’t make weight. Miresmaeili weighed in for the bout more than 11 pounds over the 145-pound limit, an extraordinary margin for a double world champion. Iranian officials then suggested giving Miresmaeili a $150,000 prize for his political stance. In Washington, Senate minority leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and minority whip Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Wednesday urged the International Olympic Committee to pressure Iranian officials to rebuke Miresmaeili. If they won’t, the IOC should strip the Iranian delegation of its credentials, the legislators said. • American swimmer Jason Lezak won a gold medal at the Olympics last week in Athens, as a member of the four-man 200-meter relay team. Not only did the U.S. team win, they broke the world record for the event, set in 1987. • American Deena Drossin Kastor, who competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, won the bronze medal in the marathon; her time was two hours, 27 minutes, and 19 seconds in the grueling 26-mile race. (Editor Carol Katzman contributed to this report.).
Are you a normal... sometimes frustrated parent? We can Help!
Jewish Family Service presents “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent� “This class helped me change my parenting techniques with out making me feel as if i am a bad parent.�
:KDW ZLOO \RX OHDYH"
%\ GRQDWLQJ WR 0$=21 $ -HZLVK 5HVSRQVH WR +XQJHU ZKDW \RX ZRXOG KDYH VSHQW WR IHHG \RXUVHOI DQG \RXU IDPLO\ RQ <RP .LSSXU \RX MRLQ WKRXVDQGV RI -HZV IURP DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ ZKR LQ DQ H[WUDRUGL QDU\ DFW RI -HZLVK SOXUDOLVP DUH UDLVLQJ IXQGV DQG FROOHFWLQJ IRRG WR FRPEDW KXQJHU <RXU WD[ GHGXFWLEOH GRQDWLRQ ZLOO VXSSRUW 0$=21ÂśV JUDQWPDNLQJ WR SURJUDPV WKDW SURYLGH FULWLFDO DV VLVWDQFH WR KXQJU\ SHRSOH LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV ,VUDHO DQG GHYHORSLQJ FRXQWULHV DURXQG WKH ZRUOG
0$=21 $ -HZLVK 5HVSRQVH WR +XQJHU Š
Š
+LJK +RO\ 'D\V <HV , ZDQW WR OHDYH WKH FRUQHUV RI P\ ÂżHOGV IRU WKH SRRU DQG WKH VWUDQJHU $ FKHFN SD\DEOH WR 0$=21 LV HQFORVHG &UHGLW &DUG 7\SH
9LVD
&UHGLW &DUG
0&
3OHDVH FKDUJH P\ FUHGLW FDUG 'LVFRYHU
$P([
([S
1DPH $GGUHVV &LW\ 6WDWH =LS 1DPH RI &RQJUHJDWLRQ &LW\ 6WDWH $OO JLIWV ZLOO EH DFNQRZOHGJHG LQ ZULWLQJ DQG DUH WD[ GHGXFWLEOH
2U GRQDWH RQOLQH DW ZZZ PD]RQ RUJ
6RXWK %XQG\ 'ULYH 6XLWH /RV $QJHOHV &$
Page 3
This 4-session course will be taught by Karen Gustafson, licensed therapist from Jewish Family Service. Classes will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. September 9 & 23, and October 14 & 28, 2004 at the Jewish Community Center. Registration Fee is $50 per family. Sliding fee available-call for information. Child care for ages 1-12 provided for $2 per child per session. For more information on registering for this class contact Jewish Family Service at 330-2024.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 27, 2004
Temple Course to Provide Basic Education for Anyone Exploring Judaism by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Basic Judaism, a 20-session weekly class offered by Temple Israel, provides a broad range of information to Jews who wish to explore their heritage and to nonJews who are considering conversion or who want to gain a better understanding of Judaism. The class, from 6:15-8 p.m. on Tuesdays, begins on Sept. 7 and concludes on Feb. 15. Stephanie Grossman, who took Basic Judaism herself more than ten years ago, will teach it along with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz, Cantor Wendy Shermet, and guest speakers. Grossman is beginning her fourth year as the instructor. She completed the Fellows Training at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio, to learn to assist clergy in the conversion process. “Basic Judaism can be a refresher course or a starting point,” according to Grossman. During the early sessions, participants talk about why they are taking the course. “I’m very glad I took the class,” said Natasha Kraft who enrolled last year. “I took it as a requirement for conversion. It reaffirmed what I thought I knew, and I learned some new things.” She added that she “made some new acquaintances.” Kraft will use her new knowledge as the advisor for Club 56, a youth group for fifth and sixth graders at Temple. Among the topics discussed at Basic Judaism are the Hebrew calendar, Jewish holidays as they occur, life cycle events, dietary laws, aspects of prayer services, Jewish history, the Bible, and Israel. Rather than an indepth study of each topic, “it’s more of a taste of each,” Grossman explained. Involvement and attendance at worship services, scholar-in-residence presentations, and special events are encouraged. These occasions provide “opportunities to experience what we’re teaching,” Grossman said. Jo Anne Gordon found Basic Judaism to be “very interesting” when she took it last year. “It was very good for me, because I knew nothing about Judaism except what I had read in the Hebrew Bible. A Methodist, Gordon “wanted to learn, because I am married to someone Jewish and I want to support him.” She added that Judaism “is the foundation of my religion, Protestant Christianity.” “Basic Judaism is not just for people who are planning to convert,” indicated Rabbi Azriel. “It’s also an opportunity for Jews to get in touch again with the fundamentals of a rich and nurturing religion.” Gordon’s husband Jon thought Basic Judaism “was excellent. It gave an overview of the fundamentals of Reform Judaism. The reading materials were excellent and provided a broad overview of all aspects of Judaism.” He considers the class to be “a door to my involvement in the Jewish community of Omaha.” In addition to the class instruction and experiences, participants will have five new books to start or add to their own Judaica library. Class fee is $150 for individuals and $200 for couples. Contact Rosie Zweiback, Temple’s Program Director at 556.6536 or via email at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com to register for the class which is open to the entire community.
REMINDER The Jewish Press is closed Monday, Sept. 6 for Labor Day. Photos appearing in the Sept. 10 New Year’s edition may be picked up at the Press office anytime after Sept. 6.
“Spice and Spirit” Group Meets to Cook for the Holidays by DEVRA BRAM ence for the entire family. for Chabad of Nebraska The first session was held in July when more than 25 Festive food plays an important role in the celebra- women enjoyed a delicious lunch, created their own tion of Jewish holidays. To focus on this aspect of cook books and braided challahs ready to cook at Jewish life, Shani home. Katzman is offering a Louri Sullivan, chairseries of cooking man, added, “I always classes for women in enjoy learning with the community as a Shani. Her women’s new feature in classes help me add Chabad’s ongoing new meaning to the adult education. Jewish part of my life The monthly cookand household. These ing sessions are being classes will be a great held at the Chabad opportunity to make House’s newly renoall the Jewish holidays vated Ed Rosen more special.” Kitchen, funded by The next cooking Tom and Darlynn session hosted by Fellman and Louri and Cheryl Lerner and Charlie Sullivan. Yaffa Shuller will be These sessions are Wednesday, Sept. 1, more than just “how 9-11 a.m., and will to”. They are set up feature recipes and like a cooking club, Ariella Levine, left, Carol Parsow and Louri Sullivan get instructions from tips for the High where women get a Shani Katzman, right, on making challah at last month’s Chabad Holidays. The session chance to meet, sam- Cooking Club. also includes making ple foods, and share recipes and ideas for holiday kreplach and tasting an assortment of special foods entertaining. from Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Succot. In addition to sharing of favorite recipes there will be To reserve a spot or to receive more information interesting discussions of why certain foods are popu- about this or other adult education programs at lar and customary for each holiday. This knowledge Chabad, call 330.1800. Suggested donation for the can help enhance the enjoyment of the holiday experi- cooking session is $10.
ORGANIZATIONS JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL Ron Frick and his barbershop quartet will be featured at JWI’s annual Rainbow House Shower on Thursday, Sept. 9, noon, 7815 Harney St. Be sure to bring supplies for the kitchen, bath and/or laundry room at Rainbow House. For reservations, please call Lila Jacoby at 397.4617, Esther Wax at 393.4442 or Ann Skolkin at 343.1638. Reservations are a must so our caterer Mary Abboud knows how many will be coming for the luncheon. VISIONS Reminders: For those members going on the day trip to Nebraska City on Wednesday, Sept. 1, please meet at the JCC main entrance at 8:45 a.m. Visions’ Board Meeting is Friday, Sept. 3, 9.30 a.m., in the Blumkin Home Conference Room. Our luncheon is Friday, Sept. 10, 12:30 p.m., at the Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Visions members will be entertained by a preview of the American tribal love rock musical--Hair--by the Omaha Community Playhouse performers, along with Musical Director, Jim Boggus. Send reservations by Sept. 3 to: Mickey and Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE, 68114. Make check payable to Visions. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709.
YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday for a Senior Safety and Banjo Music Presentation which includes lots of humor and audience participation. Lunch begins at noon in the JCC auditorium. The cost is $6 per person. Bingo with Eileen Remer will begin at 10 a.m., exercise at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330.4272.
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH We are playing Yiddish Bingo--Oivai. It’s fun and educational. Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin, 343.1638, for information.
OMAHA COMMITTEE FOR JEWISH GENETIC TESTING Reminder: Those individuals who have signed up for testing at the JCC, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 3-8 p.m., should bring their completed paperwork with them.
TORAH LEARNING CENTER Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will teach the following classes: on Tuesdays, 7 p.m.--Jewish Philosophy--ongoing discussions on self-growth, and on Wednesdays, noon-“Down to Earth Jewish Philosophy” in the Omaha Room of the Jewish Community Center. New home-study groups and classes and individual study sessions are available. Please call me at 981.0569 for more information. B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS City Council president Jim Vokal will be the guest speaker at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Sept. 1, noon, at Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, Chairman. Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community
MAKE YOUR PICK
THE BEST PICK...
WISE BUYS Direct From Chrysler Resale Centers
2004 Dodge Stratus SE Sedans
4 Cylinder, Automatic, Air Conditioning, Power Windows and Locks Special Group ... Teen Miles 7 Fresh Arrivals
10,890
$ • 3 months/3,000 mile Maximum Care Limited Warranty • 8 Year/80,000 Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty • 125 point inspection • 24 Hour Roadside Assistance • Car Fax History Report • Car Rental Allowance
Buys One Today!
170 Used Vehicles To Select From
JIM’S
DODGE
COUNTRY “THE RIGHT CHOICE” 54th & L St. • 1-800-735-5402 • 734-5402 • www.jimsdodgecountry.com
August 27, 2004
It’s a Family Affair; Mom Named Alternate Delegate as Daughter Serves as Page at RNC Convention by WAYNE BENA Communications Director Nebraska Republican Party The Nebraska Republican Party held its state convention in Lincoln in June and elected 32 delegates and 32 alternates to the Republican National Convention, which opens in New York City, Monday, Aug. 30, and concludes Sept. 1. Dinah Abrahamson, Project Coordinator for a Faith Based Initiative for Chabad of Nebraska, was elected as an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention. She has been active in Republican party politics. Dinah’s daughter, Sarah Abrahamson has been selected to serve as a page at the convention. She will be a sophomore at Machon Sarah Abrahamson Chana Women’s College in Brooklyn, New York. Sarah was recently awarded scholarships through Jewish Educational and Library Services to attend the college. Dinah attended the state convention for an opportunity to address important party platform issues. “I felt it was important for the Nebraska delegation to have diverse representation to the national convention. My active participation in the State Republican Party the last six years has given me the experience that I feel will be beneficial as I travel to New York Sunday with Sarah, and my son, Yosef.” State GOP Chairman David Kramer said, “We are thrilled to have Dinah Abrahamson join the Nebraska Delegation to the National Republican Convention. I look forward to the work our delegation will conduct in ultimately renominating President George W. Bush.”
Kooper and Fellman Trusts Announce Awards by Jewish Press News Service Howard M. Kooper, a Trustee of the Bruce M. Fellman and the Robert H. and Dorothy G. Kooper Charitable Foundation Trusts, has announced that scholarship grants have been awarded to 19 Omaha area college students. Chosen for these 2004-05 scholarships are: Brian Altman, Ohio State University; Daniel Bukenholts, University of Pennsylvania; Lauren Feigin, Colorado State University; Aaron Fredricks, UNMC; Jennifer Friedman, Bradley University; Igor Ginzburg, MIT; Jessica Hasslinger, Colorado State University; Roman Kilishek, UNO; David Patton, UNL; Steven Patton, Drake University; Elliott Siff, University of Colorado; Emily Sternberg, Rebecca Sternberg, and Stephen Sternberg, University of Missouri; Brandy Vann, Creighton University; Nikita Vishnevskiy, School of Art-Institute of Chicago; Renata Yurikov, Vanderbilt University; Max Zinkov, UNO; Renata Zinkov, UNO. The Fellman Trust was created in memory of Bruce M. Fellman, son of Tom and Darlynn Fellman, after his untimely death while attending George Washington University and participating in the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea. The Fellman and Kooper Trusts were created in memory of Robert H. and Dorothy G. Kooper, parents of Howard M. Kooper, in order to help Omaha area Jewish college students in their pursuit of secondary education.
IN THE NEWS Barton “Bucky” Greenberg participated in the Masters National Long Course Swimming Meet in Savannah, GA, earlier this month, where he placed first in the 100 meter and 50 meter breastroke, His time for the 100 meter event was two seconds above the national record; in the 50 meter event, he set a new national record, bettering the 1999 record by .3 of a second. Greenberg’s time in the 50 meter breaststroke was two seconds faster than the winning time at the World Masters Competition in Italy last May. Greenberg trains at the JCC of Omaha.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Lynne M. Popp Educational Therapy, Inc. Board Certified Educational Therapist, B.C.E.T. 10152 • Educational Assessments • Workshop Presenter • Dyslexia • Teacher Trainer • Educational Therapy
4405 North 156th Ave. Circle Phone: 402/498-8708 FAX: 445-0433
MEMBER
E-mail: slpopp1@cox.net
Mention this Jewish Press ad and receive a 5% Discount OIL CHAN BILE GE
MO
ELLIOTT MOORE
Sundown Landscape Lighting
ENTERPRISES
330-9595
FOR A LIMITED TIME!
nal o i t sa
n e
S
CD Rates Ask an Enterprise Banker about our latest CD Special and let us help put your money to work for you! 12800 West Center Road
330-0200 210 Regency Parkway
392-0400 N.A., MEMBER F.D.I.C.
MOVING?
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Please give us the following information:
Congregation BIAV in Overland Park, KS, is hosting a Charity Golf Outing at the National Club of Kansas City on Monday, Oct. 18. Registration opens at 11 a.m., with a putting contest playoff at 12:15 p.m. The shotgun start begins at 1 p.m., preceded by the $5000 putt at 12:45 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at a 5:30 p.m. cocktail party and include a $10,000 hole-in-one contest. Fees are $300 per player--participate as a golfer or create a foursome--and include green fees, putting contest, shared cart, lunch, beverages, snacks, and cocktail reception. Contact Debbie Graham about playing or sponsorship opportunities at 913.648.7911 or: dgraham444@hotmail.com. Proceeds benefit Congregation BIAV.
Rollin’ on the River
The Omaha Community Playhouse will relive the late sixties with the American tribal love-rock musical-Hair. Directed by Carl Beck, with musical direction by James Boggess, the musical opens tonight, Aug. 27, and runs through Sept. 26. Filled with bell-bottoms, incense, flowers, and wild costumes, the show recalls such well known songs as Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine and Let the Sunshine In. For ticket information, call the OCP box office, 553.4890.
Old Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________ (Or attach your mailing label)
Name ________________________________________________ New Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _________________________________________ New Phone ___________________________________________ Effective Date _________________________________________ If moving out of town, please check one: ❏ Discontinue Press ❏ Bill Me ❏ Full-time College Student ❏ “Snowbird” date of return _____________ Mail this coupon 3 weeks in advance to:
The Jewish Press
BIRTHS Luann and Bill Golbitz of Broomfield, CO, announce the May 28 birth of their son, Logan Archer. Logan joins his sister, Charlize. Grandparents are Darlene and Sherman Golbitz. Rabbi Nosson Meir and Sara Ita Meretsky announce the June 30 birth of their daughter, Chana Leah, named for her great-grandmother, Ann Faier Fisher. Chana Leah has a brother, Menachem Mendel. Grandparents are Marvin and Sandra Kohll, Linda Meretsky and John Klatt of Port Linn, OR. Grea-grandparents are Shirley and Charles Meretsky of Fall River, MA, the late Ann and Bernard Fisher, and the late Louis Kohll and Leona Kohll Cohn.
Fifty-three Visionaries, including, from left: Harriet and Sonny Marko, Peggy and Jay Chasen and Sally Masnek, recently set sail with a dinner cruise and live music on the River City Star. For information about upcoming Visions’ programs, call Margaret Conti, at 334.6521.
Name ________________________________________________
Keri and Phillip Bahar of Minnetonka, MN, announce the July 28 birth of a daughter, Chana Helene, named for her great-grandfather and her greatgreat-grandmother. She has a brother, Zachary Cohen. Grandparents are Rosalie and Ernie Saltzman and Sandy and Alan Nogg, all of Omaha, and Hadi and Laurel Bahar of Potomac, MD.
333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 or see bottom of page 8 for email address and Fax number
Residential Mortgage Services, Inc.
Take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates! • Consolidate Debts • We’ll make getting your mortgage “pointless.” • Apply for your mortgage and check rates at: www.residentialmortgages.com Omaha Bellevue Council Bluffs Lincoln
333-7900 292-7900 322-7900 423-8885
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 27, 2004
August 27, 2004
ENTERTAIN
A FULL SERVICE SALON FOR MEN AND WOMEN
FIRST CLASS
COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE PACIFIC AT 87TH
HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place
• HAIRSTYLING • MANICURING
• PEDICURING • WAXING
WITH
FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US?
We believe that special occasions deserve special attention. Count on us for memorable events that exceed expectations • Weddings • Anniversaries • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • 12,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space accommodates up to 250 guests • On-site planning and catering professionals For information, Call the sales department at 402/496-0850 ext. 143
5213 Leavenworth
8728 Pacific
14430 W. Center Rd.
214 N. 114th St.
2214 N. 90th St.
4963 So. 155th St.
0BLWJFX )BMMPX Â… 4PVUI UI 4USFFU Â… (SFZIBXL 7JMMBHF Â… 8FTU .BQMF 3PBE Â…
1810 N. 144th St.
SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT
2541 S. 174th Plz.
Listing and Selling–Omaha and surrounding areas
PGG
4028 N. 132nd St.
108th & Center
5624 Ames
11226 Wright Circle
2301 Lincoln Rd.
333-2882
www.martinizing.com/omaha
Residential and Commercial Real Estate Howard Weiner Dik Weiner 4645 Dodge • 553-2121
offering an assortment of Judaica Pottery
September
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
Crowne PlazaÂŽ Omaha Old Mill 655 North 108th Avenue Omaha, NE 68154
AUTO BODY INC. You BEND ’em we MEND ’em • Collision Specialists • Hail Repair • Windshield & Glass Replacement • Work with all Insurance • Companies
Family Owned Since 1955 1010 Bert Murphy Blvd. • Bellevue, NE 68005
402/291-2762
MONDAY, AUGUST 30 Temple Israel Annual Golf Outing, noon JELS Teacher Training, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 BBYO Council Meetings/Chapter Photos, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. JELS Class “War & Peace�, 7 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 “Spice and Spirit of Jewish Cooking Club�, 9 a.m. at Chabad House Visions Nebraska City Trip, 10 a.m. PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Genetic Testing Program, 3 p.m. First Day Religious School Grades 7-12, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
Proudly Serving:
The Georgetowne Club - 2240 S. 141st Cir. W.H. Thompson Alumni Center - 6705 Dodge St. Livestock Exchange Building - 4920 South 30th St. Country Oaks - 9809 M Street Lauritzen Gardens - 100 Bancroft St. Homes, Offices and Other Desired Locations Available! Call one of our professional event planners today
(402) 334-5446 • www.brandeiscatering.com. “YOUR EVENT IS OUR NEXT SUCCESS!â€?
Park Your Ad Here Call Ray Pred for more information about this opportunity.
334-6559
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Tri-Faith Dialogue, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 JCC OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY, HEALTH & FITNESS CENTERS OPEN, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Women of Worth, 9 a.m., at Chabad House JCC New Board Member Meeting, 5 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel JELS Class “War & Peace�, 7 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Maimonides Class, 11 a.m. 2005 Federation Campaign Pacesetter Kickoff, 5 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club Youth Group Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Grade 7 Parent/Student Orientation, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Press Sub-Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Women International Rainbow House Shower, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. United Way Campaign Managers Workshop, 1 p.m. JFS “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent�, 6 p.m. Inna Novikova Art Reception, 7 p.m. “Live from the 92nd St. Y� with Bernard Lewis, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 OTYG NFTY Fall Chavurah, Sept. 10-12 at Temple Israel Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn Temple Israel “Shabbat Comes to You�, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 “Out of Sight Saturday Night� Children’s Program, 6:30 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel 2005 Federation Campaign Community Event, 7 p.m. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. JELS Teacher Training, 7 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. “Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land� Premiere, 7 p.m.
BOZ DPMPS TFSWJDF
/PU UP CF VTFE XJUI BOZ PUIFS PGGFS 7BMJE 4VOEBZ 8FEOFTEBZ 0OMZ
That Pottery Place
Community Calendar SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 Adult Education, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Family Mini-Golf Outing, 4 p.m.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Women of Worth, 9 a.m. at Chabad BBYO “March of the Living� Presentation, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El “Live from the 92nd St. Y� with Henry Kissinger, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 JCC CLOSDED AT 6 P.M. FOR ROSH HASHANAH
1209 Harney Street | 402.932.5999
7828 Dodge St. 402-392-1166
14450 Eagle Run Drive 402-408-2529
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 United Way Fall Conference, 7:30 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 12:30 p.m. JFS “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent�, 6 p.m. JELS Partnership 2000 Program with Professor Iram, 6 p.m. “Live from the 92nd Street Y� on Legal Issues, 7 p.m. L.O.V.E Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 JCC CLOSED FOR YOM KIPPUR
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 JCC CLOSED FOR ROSH HASHANAH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 JCC CLOSED FOR ROSH HASHANAH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Adult Education, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Beth El Memorial Service, 11 a.m. at Beth El Cemetary MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Hadassah Meeting, 1 p.m. JELS Partnership 2000 Program with Professor Iram, 6 p.m. JELS Teacher Training, 7 p.m. Jewish Press Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Women of Worth, 9 a.m. at Chabad BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Maimonides Class, 11 a.m. Adult Education, noon at Temple Israel Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Sukkah Building, 8 a.m. at Beth El Candidates Forum, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel B’nai B’rith Sukkah Decorating, 11:30 a.m. at the JCC Grandparents Day Intergenerational Concert, 1 p.m. Sukkah Decorating, 4 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 JELS Teacher Training, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Women of Worth, 9 a.m. at Chabad BBYO Chapter Elections, 6 p.m. Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Maimonides Class, 11:00 a.m. JCC CLOSED AT 6 P.M. FOR SUKKOT Sukkot Family Box Dinner & Service, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 JCC CLOSED FOR SUKKOT
Sandra R.Nogg,Inc. Personal Bookkeeping Service
392-0645
| fluxiongallery.com
& Climate ControlAirHeating Conditioning
AIR CONDITIONER SPECIAL OFFER
f
invitations collectibles and gifts unique gift baskets
12039 Blondo • Omaha, NE • 402/498-9770
This paint your own pottery and mosaics studio specializes in unique gifts made by you! Select from over 100 items including several Judaica pieces! A great place for birthday, group, or no-occasion parties!
Caring, Confidential, Committed Hours: Mon-Tues By apt. only, Wed 12-5, Thurs 12-5, Fri 12-9, Sat 12-9, Sun 12-5
Stationery B’nai Mitzvah & Weddings Anniversaries & Special Occasions
XXX IDY DPN
Dundee Realty Co.
2909 N. 108th St.
(1 Block South of 114th & Center)
;4
for RELIABLE & RESPONSIBLE FABRICARE
10910 ‘Q’ St.
We Disp dding Sup lays & plies
Dundeal
Page 7
Call
• Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains
Our Visit room w o h S
CELEBRATIONS ARE OUR BUSINESS
FOR A
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Fluxion Gallery
SAVE UP TO 40% ON COOLING COSTS • Mention this ad and get $100 off any heating and air conditioning system installation,or • Call us and have one of our factory trained service technicians tuneup your central air conditioning system to get the maximum efficiency for just $59.95. 10% to 40% based on comparison of the climate control Save advertisers Manfacturer system with a typical 8HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
07.31 - 09.05 09.18 - 10.24 11.06 - 12.12 12.17 - 01.30
Sandra Williams - Gilbert Flores Franck Moeglen - Patrick Williams Colin C. Smith - John Fraser Fluxions’ Annual Partner Artist Show
10 year old system using Department of Energy test procedures. Actual savings may vary.
Call Today For A FREE No Obligation Estimate on New Equipment COMFORT WITH CONFIDENCE Financing Available
*Financing Available
334-1818 West Omaha 558-1555 Central
The pharmacy that specializes in home delivery! • North Omaha • South Omaha • Council Bluffs • • City-wide Delivery • Discount Prices •
• Discount prices, both charged and delivered • Medicines, Herbals and Natural Vitamins • Accepting HMO & Insurance Cards BRUCE GOLDBERG, Pharmacist Serving Our Community
For Home Delivery, call
Metro area: 733-3216 • www.phexpress.com
This spot could have your name on it. Call Allan Handleman to see how easy it can be.
334-6451
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 27, 2004
Opinion Holocaust Scammers Follow Nigerian E-Mail Bank Ploy It was bad enough when millions of e-mail users found themselves bombarded with fraudulent pleas from Nigerian scammers. But last week, a new scam arrived in e-mail boxes...this one using the Holocaust to try to defraud unsuspecting responders. Coming from a “Mr. George Graham a member of Independent Committee of Eminent Persons (ICEP), Switzerland,” the email states that the “Claims Resolution Tribunal (CRT) handles processing of all claims on accounts due non-Swiss citizens. A dormant account of ‘ORDNER ADELE’ with a credit balance of 50,000,000 US dollar plus accumulated interest was discovered by me. The beneficiary was murdered during the holocaust (sic) era, leaving no will and no possible records for trace of heirs.” And, of course, Graham--like the Nigerian scammers before him, makes this highly suspect request: “Being a member of ICEP, I have all secret details and necessary contacts for claim of the funds without any hitch. The funds will be banked in any country of your choice outside Switzerland or a tax free country, where we can safely withdrew the funds and...share the funds and use it for investment of our choice. Due to the sensitive nature of my job, I need a foreigner to help claim the funds.” What does the “helpful” Graham want from the e-mail recipient? “All that is required of you is to provide me with your details for processing of the necessary legal and administrative claim documents for transfer of the funds to you.” In other words, Graham wants details like your bank’s name, your name and your account number. Fat chance he’ll get this from the editors of Jewish newspapers to which he sent this fraudulent request. According to Phyllis Braun, Executive Editor of the Arizona Jewish Post in Tucson, “This scam e-mail’s invitation to ‘a life time of success without risks,’ juxtaposed with the suffering of Holocaust victims, is particularly repugnant.” Although Braun deletes such e-mails immediately, she worries that other people could be conned. She told the Press that Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard just issued an alert warning residents the “Nigerian Advanced Fee” scam had resurfaced and reminding them “of the simple rule: If an
offer sounds too good to be true--it is.” A survivor received this e-mail as well. He forwarded it to Jeanette Friedman-Sieradski, Editor of Together, American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Founder of Second Generation North Jersey. She just happens to know Gideon Taylor, a member of the Claims Conference. The International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims was established in 1998 following negotiations among European insurance companies and U.S. insurance regulators, as well as international Jewish groups, survivor organizations and the State of Israel. Taylor was able to persuade the staff of the Volker Committee to release a statement to the Press warning the public of this fraud. Paul Volker, the former Secretary of the Treasury, heads the ICEP (the International Committee of Eminent Persons) which is composed of representatives from Swiss banks and the Jewish community. ICEP was charged with investigating dormant accounts, and other assets of the victims of Nazi persecution or others that were deposited in Swiss banks around the time of the Second World War. And then, according to Friedman, “there is a lawyer in Toronto who took up to $1,000 per survivor to file claims with Brooklyn Judge Edward R. Korman and then never filed them. William Gauberson wrote in the April 30 New York Times, “Judge Korman has ruled that such funds should be used for the ‘neediest survivors.’ He found that the grinding poverty in the former Soviet Union was so severe that he allocated 75 percent of the humanitarian funds available for Jewish survivors to that area. Four percent is to be used for impoverished survivors in the United States, with the balance going to Israel and elsewhere around the world.” Added Friedman, “Anyone who finds themselves in (the) situation (of being scammed) is to immediately contact Judge Korman’s office in New York and file an application with extenuating circumstances-that a lawyer bilked them out of
the money and never filed the claim, but they are eligible. Of course, they’ll need proof they were conned,” she added, “and probably have to attach it to the claim.” This is all very disturbing news. What Holocaust survivors endured was horrific enough; to have it compounded by unscrupulous lawyers and con artists is almost worse. According to the Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, “This is a disgusting scam and one It will probably be very painful for a number of people. I suspect it will generate more anger than interest. “Each of us are vulnerable at some point,” he added. “People are lonely, especially the elderly. These scams are designed to capitalize on that. They work because innocent people fall for them. This one’s especially horrible because it focuses on the pain of survivors. “I’m hopeful we can get the word out so no one falls for it,” the attorney general asserted. “We’ll take it from here and try to find out who these scammers are.” Like Nancy Reagan’s anti-drug campaign, “just say ‘no’” to e-mail scammers. Or, in this case, “just delete.”
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Movie is Slow, but Highlights Successful Protest Against Nazis Lena Fischer (Katja Riemann), who recounts the events in black-and-white flashbacks. In early 1943, the Nazi propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, decided to “avenge” the German defeat at Stalingrad by making Berlin by TOM TUGEND completely “Judenrein.” LOS ANGELES (JTA)--It took noted direcOn Feb. 27, the Gestapo and SS rounded up tor/writer Margarethe von Trotta, who has the last 5,000 Jewish men, and some women, chronicled the story of 20th century Germany still living legally in the German capital. They in such films as Rosa Luxemburg and The had been spared deportation up to that point Pledge, some 10 years to complete the cycle because they were married to “Aryans” or had by documenting her country’s “darkest peri- a non-Jewish parent. od” in Rosenstrasse. Before sending them on to While staying true to the Auschwitz, some of the Jews were basic facts, she has dramaheld at the former Jewish Community tized the story of the only Welfare Office on Rosenstrasse. known successful internal The next morning, a few dozen public protest against Nazi Aryan wives of the imprisoned Jews rule by telling it largely stood in the cold outside the through the eyes of a young Rosenstrasse building, demanding the American Jewish woman, release of their husbands. Hannah Weinstein (Maria The next day, the protesters were Schrader). joined by a hundred more women As a young child, Margarethe von Trotta, and a few men, including one in a Hannah’s mother was an writer/director of the film German army uniform. eyewitness to the Rosenstrasse. Credit: By the sixth day, close to a thousand Rosenstrasse drama but had Samuel Goldwyn Films took part in the vigil, and when an SS never talked about her past, contingent trained machine guns on so the daughter travels to present-day Berlin the protesters, they screamed back “murderto track down the family history. ers” and did not move. On the seventh day, There Hannah encounters an old woman, Goebbels gave in. He ordered the Jews to be
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constutional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
released to their families, including 25 men who had already been sent to Auschwitz. Lena, who had horrified her aristocratic German family by marrying a Jewish violinist, became one of the first protesters at Rosenstrasse when her husband is arrested. The film is quite slow-paced but it catches the grim, oppressive atmosphere of wartime Berlin, just undergoing its first massive British air raid. Von Trotta also exposes the luxurious wartime lifestyle of the Nazi elite when Lena, as the beautiful blonde baroness, attends a party in a desperate attempt to charm Goebbels into releasing her husband. During a brief visit to Los Angeles, von Trotta speculated on what gave a few hundred German housewives the moral backbone to defy the Nazi rulers in the midst of war. “I have talked to some of the women who were among the protesters, and none considered herself a heroine,” she said. “They were impelled by the courage of despair.” Questioned on the continued focus of German and American filmmakers on the Nazi and Holocaust eras, von Trotta responded, “Hitler said that his Reich would last a thousand years. We have to remember his crimes for the next thousand years.” The film opened Aug. 20 in New York and Los Angeles and subsequently in other major cities.
Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
Nebraska Press Association
National Newspaper Association
August 27, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Undistinguished Journalism
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN The photograph that accompanied a recent article in The New York Jewish Week was as telling as it was, unfortunately, typical. The report concerned political extremists in Israel and fears that they may be poised to engage in violence, including assassination, in an attempt to prevent Israel’s withdrawal from territories captured from Jordan and Egypt in 1967. In the background of the photograph is the golden dome of the mosque that stands on the Jewish Temple Mount - for some radical nationalists, it is claimed, a target for attack. In the foreground, looming and ominous, is the silhouette of a man’s head and, atop it, a black hat. Such headgear, of course, is associated with - virtually a symbol of - haredim, Jews whom some media like to refer to as “ultra-Orthodox” (a blatantly judgmental phrase; think “ultra-conservative” or “ultra-liberal”). There may well be some Jews who have become so disgusted with Islamist hatemongering, so frustrated by Palestinian intransigence, so distressed by terrorism that they see hope only in removing everything - both structures and people - they imagine to stand in the way of Jewish security.
But if such misguided souls in fact exist, few if any of them own black hats. Anyone in the least familiar with Israeli sociology knows that haredim have as much to do with political nationalism as they do with high
ly law-abiding community that resides in the territories captured by Israel in 1967 (in media disparage-speak, “settlers”). The overwhelming majority of the “religious nationalist” population may politically oppose the transfer of land to Palestinians but it eschews violence. The religious-nationalist community in turn, for its part, is distinct from the haredi world. And so, some questions: Why the black hat in the Jewish Week article? And just what “mainstream Orthodox rabbinate” does Mr. Goldberg wish to speak up? Extremists are hardly concerned with the directives of either the religiousnationalist or haredi rabbinic leaderships. The essence of responsible journalism is the ferreting of facts and the teasing out of meaningful distinctions from complex situations. Generalities, at best, encourage ignorance; at worst, they promote prejudice. No reputable reporter would ever “inform” his or her audience that, say, “Jews” or “rabbis” take a particular position or act a certain way. Only journalism that takes care to distinguish is distinguished journalism. As it happens, though, haredi leaders, pace Mr. Goldberg, have indeed made their views on political violence clear, many times. Once, they even did so in a most public fashion. Shortly after the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 (by
a university student who claimed nationalistic motivations), the Council of Torah Sages of America--a revered group of elder haredi religious leaders - and the body that determines policy for Agudath Israel of America--issued a statement; it was prompted by precisely the sort of insinuations referenced above, and was published, among other places, on the oped page of The New York Times, the same page that featured Mr. Goldberg’s words. The Torah Sages’ statement called the assassination “an act of murder, a grievous sin that calls for unequivocal condemnation,” and declared “categorically” that any claim that the act was based on Jewish law is “a total distortion of fundamental Jewish values.” It went on to state that “physical violence is abhorrent to Torah-observant Jews, and is an entirely inappropriate means of religious or political expression,” and decried “inflammatory rhetoric and hateful invective” that can lead to violence. Perhaps The New York Jewish Week and Mr. Goldberg somehow missed that principled declaration, despite its prominence, and just never got around to determining if the haredi community’s mindset in fact matched their preconceptions. But, considering the surfeit of hatred these days for Jews, and the widespread wariness about anything religious, that’s hardly a very distinguished excuse. Rabbi Avi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America and wrote this for Am Echad Resources.
gy, and it is vital that we Second, at this time of the year we are keep in mind, that we charged to remember our commitment “remember,” why we invest to the State of Israel. Too often, we take the time and the resources Israel’s existence for granted. Yet, until we do. 1948, it was only a dream, envisioned The mission of the and fervently desired by our parents and Conservative synagogue is grandparents. to stimulate and facilitate In this hostile world, Israel’s existence the Jewish growth relies heavily on the of its members. In support of the Yom Ha-Zikaron--the Day of our congregations, United States and of we welcome many Remembrance--is a charge for us the North American Jews who are not community. to remember the past. Let us do Jewish yet committed to It is striking that the living a life based so, if only to help shape our future. International Court on halakhah, of Justice has Jewish law. Our mission, however, demanded, with some audacity, that charges us to create the ambiance and Israel tear down the fence beyond the the means by which each Conservative Green Line, in part because of the pain Jew may take steps along the ramp of and inconvenience that it causes continued Jewish growth. Palestinians. With all the pressures on synagogue Who, on this day of remembrance, will leadership, it is easy to forget why we remind the world that although are involved in the synagogue. Rosh Palestinians are inconvenienced by the Hashanah --Yom Ha-Zikaron--is a time barrier, Israelis have been harmed for to remember. years without it? We must remember our
responsibility to support Israel. Without us, Israel is jeopardized; and without Israel, Jewish life is diminished. Third, this day of remembrance must rekindle in the heart of each Jew the memories of the Holocaust. The suffering of our ancestors during those tragic years left an indelible scar on our hearts. That memory is important, but it is not sufficient. Memories of the Holocaust must energize us to play a role in ending genocide in our own generation. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost in Darfur, Sudan. Unless we raise our voices, as we hoped the world would do for us during WWII, this genocide will continue unchallenged. Yom Ha-Zikaron--the Day of Remembrance-is a charge for us to remember the past. Let us do so, if only to help shape our future. Rabbi Epstein is the Executive Vice-President of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
fashion. For starters, fundamental to haredi belief is the conviction that adversity is overcome with entreaties to G-d and the performance of good deeds, not the shooting of bullets and planting of bombs. And, even more important, the hallmark of the haredi world is its members’ fealty to the direction provided by their religious leaders. And those rabbinic leaders, whenever they have addressed the dire situation of the Jewish people in its ancestral land, have consistently counseled not retribution but repentance; not pandemonium but prayer. Which makes not only insinuations like The New York Jewish Week’s but calls like New Yorker writer Jeffrey Goldberg’s recent one on The New York Times’ op-ed page--that “the mainstream Orthodox rabbinate” speak up against “fundamentalist thuggery”--as misleading as they are pejorative. Nationalist extremists in Israel are but a tiny fringe of the much larger and entire-
Generalities, at best, encourage ignorance; at worst, they promote prejudice.
Rosh Hashanah: A Time to Remember
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI JEROME M. EPSTEIN Rosh Hashanah is known by many names. Besides being called, simply, the “New Year,” it is often referred to as “Yom Ha-Din, the Day of Judgment.” In addition, it bears the name “Yom HaZikaron, the Day of Remembrance.” Not only is Rosh Hashanah the day on which we hope God will remember us for good, but it is also a day on which we are charged to remember. This year, I would like to suggest three important things for us to keep in mind. First, it is important to remember the mission of the synagogue. We face so many challenges in synagogue life, ranging from membership recruitment and volunteer involvement to budget and building issues. These challenges consume a great deal of our time and ener-
Alex Anderson
HGTV’s Star of Simply Quilts
in person Thursday Oct. 7, 2004 2 p.m. Omaha Community Playhouse (6915 Cass)
Cost is only $10.00 Please purchase tickets in advance at either location.
BERNINA Sewing Centers 3407 S. 84 St. 402/392-0430 10144 Maple St. 402/572-1212 Toll Free 877/572-1212
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 jewishnebraska.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.
August 27, 2004
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m., Kiddush sponsored by Cindy and Allen Morris in honor of their daughter, Jessica, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Evening Services, 7:55 p.m. K’TANTAN PLUS, Aug. 28, 10:45 a.m.: Open to children in kindergarten through seventh grade (and their parents), activities will include exploring the Siddur in an age-appropriate fashion. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SITTER SERVICE During Friday night and Saturday mornings services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SPECIAL PROGRAMS PATTER (Toddlers & Parents Torah, Exercise, Recreation) session class for 11/2 to threeyear-olds, resumes with Helen Epstein, Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. For more information, call Harriet Einziger at the synagogue. WEDNESDAY, 7 p.m.: Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni. BETH EL SYNAGOGUE TALMUD TORAH (BESTT): Sunday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m.: First day of classes for BESTT. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.: First day of classes for eighth grade and high school, dinner for students will begin at 6 p.m., followed by 7 p.m. classes. “PREPARING OURSELVES FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS:” Repairing the world and bettering ourselves as human beings will be the focus of a two-part High Holidays class presented by Rabbi Levin on Sunday, Sept. 5 and Sept. 12, from 10-11 a.m. The class is open to the entire community; RSVP to Harriet Einziger, 492.8550. SELIHOT SATURDAY, Sept. 11, 9 p.m.: Selihot serves as the gateway to this time of renewal and forgive-
ness. This special evening, open to the entire community, will begin with Havdalah at 9 p.m., followed by a musical performance featuring Israeli and American composers. A dessert reception will be held after the performance, followed by Selihot at 10:30 p.m., accompanied by the Beth El choir. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH RETREAT Women of Beth El are invited to the Arbor Day Farm-Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City, to enjoy “Renewing Our Spirits, Celebrating Ourselves.” The retreat will run from 4 p.m. on Oct. 15, to Saturday evening following Havdalah. Registration deadline is Aug. 27; contact Helen Epstein for information.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by the Sister- hood. Mincha, 7:40 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot, and Havdalah, 8:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Service, 9 a.m.; Evening Service, 7 p.m. Weekday Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Weekday Evening Service, 7 p.m.
Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail her at rabstiel@aol.com to set up an appointment. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Debbie Stiel, with study topic “Reform Judaism: a look at the latest Reform statement of principles”. Oneg provided by Mary and Bob Nefsky. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Stiel; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Stiel; MOVIE NIGHT, 79:15 pm: The Quarrel--another excellent and thoughtful movie for teens and adults will be shown. Join us for havdalah, snacks, and a movie you will not forget. HEBREW HIGH KICK-OFF Outdoor Clean-up, 9 a.m. noon; Hebrew High Kickoff/ Orientation at Tifereth Israel--this will be a joint TI/SST religious school, 10:30 a.m. If you were in Rabbi Stiel’s class last year, watch for more information or call the Temple office at 435.8004 to indicate your interest. Orientation Meeting for Religious School Teachers, 12:30-2:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: Beginning Hebrew Prayers, using the book Hineini, on Aug. 15 and Aug. 29, 9 a.m..
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Steve Riekes.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Outdoor Service, 6:30 p.m. followed by a picnic. Please bring food for you and your family.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MONDAY-FRIDAY, Morning services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY Halacha Intermediate level, 7 p.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month.
TEMPLE ISRAEL SITTER SERVICE Sitter service will be available at each Friday evening service. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, no facilities for infants. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. HANGIN’ AND HAVDALAH KESHER Saturday, 6 p.m.: At the home of Elyce and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel at 13635 Walnut. Schmooze with other Temple Israel post-high
Beth El High Holidays Youth Program Offers Kids a Sweet Learning Experience by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Along with the traditional apples and honey, children attending High Holidays services at Beth El Synagogue will be treated to a very special youth program this year, filled with a variety of activities celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This year’s theme will revolve around “Tefillah (Prayer), Tzedakah (Justice, in the form of charity) and T’shuvah (Repentance).” In addition to junior congregation services, age-appropriate activities will include a story-telling, music, plus a myriad of games, such as “Bowling Our Sins Away,” for the younger participants.
A special “Birthday Party for the World” celebration will also be enjoyed by all, complete with birthday cake and singing. For seventh graders participating in the program, discussion groups will be held, addressing the significance of the High Holidays in their lives. The youth program, which includes lunch, will be open to children from pre-kindergarten through seventh grade and will be held from 10 a.m. to noon during both days of Rosh Hashanah, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Yom Kippur. Cost is $18 or one hour of adult-volunteer time per child. In addition, babysitting will be available--by reservation only--by calling Beth El Program Director Harriet Einziger, 492-8550.
Candlelighting Friday, August 27, 7:46 p.m. school aged adults--living, working, attending college or graduate school, in the Omaha and surrounding area, and enjoy barbecue by the rabbi. RSVP to the office, 556.6536 or ljensen@templeisraelomaha.com. We know we haven’t found everyone--if you’ve got some Jewish friends, bring them along! ADULT EDUCATION Brush up on your Hebrew before the High Holy Days with a two session course on Sunday, Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m.-noon, and Sunday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.noon. Refresh your Hebrew reading skills to increase your enjoyment of the High Holy Days liturgy and music. Colleen Kennealy will help you re-learn your Aleph Bet and improve your reading fluency. There is no fee, but pre-registration is appreciated so that we may have sufficient materials for participants. Please contact the Temple office, 556.6536 or tisrael@templeisraelomaha.com to register. TOT SHABBAT, FRIDAY, Sept. 3, 6 p.m.: Join us for our Service in the chapel and stay afterward to celebrate Shabbat with a childfriendly dinner. The traditional cookies and juice will still be available, but consider taking the time to eat together, as friends and families. Please RSVP to the office at: tisrael@qwest.net or 556.6536.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat services, followed by festive kiddush luncheon, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew High KickOff, 10:30 a.m. at the synagogue. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. If you do not receive a call, contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.
Torah Tots Learn and Play Together in Classes Beginning Next Month by JOAN COOPER Temple Israel Religious School Coordinator For almost 13 years, Temple Israel has offered an educational program to families with small children. Torah Tots is an opportunity for toddlers (18 months to fouryears-old) and their parents to share quality time, a chance to learn and play together. Each class provides a variety of age-appropriate activities to enhance social and motor skills while incorporating Jewish values and practices for the home, Cooper explained. Singing, crafts, snacks, and snuggling up for stories are part of the “stress free” classes offered on Friday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m.. Classes are open to families with at least one Jewish parent. Participants need not be members of Temple Israel. Classes are forming now for the new six-week session beginning on Friday, Sept. 10. For more information, please call me at 556.6536.
August 27, 2004
The Defiant Child
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MORDECHAI LEVIN Parashat Ki Tetze One of the most troubling and difficult of all the laws in the Torah appears in this week’s parashah, where we read this astonishing paragraph: “If a man has a wayward and defiant son who does not heed his father or mother and does not obey them--even after they discipline him--his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders of his town in the public square of his community. They shall say to the elders, ‘Tis son of ours is disloyal and defiant; he does not heed us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Thereupon the men of his town shall stone him to death.” (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) In ancient societies the father’s authority over his children was total, and the harsh law quoted in Deuteronomy represents an advance in comparison with laws of other nations in which the father had the power of life and death. The biblical law intended to restrict the power of parents over children. The Torah does not allow a parent to stone his son. Instead, the son is placed in community custody. But is it really possible that Jewish law would put to death a son who has not committed a capital crime? The Talmudic sages sought a halakhic (legal) way to prevent the implementation of this ordinance, which they viewed as cruel and unreasonable, and delineated a set of limits that rendered it virtually impossible for a child to be condemned. Since the biblical law refers to a “son,” the sages limited its applicability to male children alone, and only to the specific period when the son first begins to show physical signs of sexual maturity. This time period would last for three months at the most. (Sanhedrin 8:1 and 68b-69a). The charges must be specific, as well. To be declared wayward and defiant--and to be subsequently punished --the son must have stolen money from his parents, used it to buy a specific measure of meat and Italian wine, consumed all of it in one go, in a place other than his parent’s house, and so on.
DEATHS TIBBYE LEFITZ Tibbye Lefitz died at the age of 96. Grave side services were held on Aug. 22 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Lefitz. She is survived by her son, Lawrence Lefitz; brother, Harry Wolfson; grandchildren, Joshua Lefitz, Tiffany Rennie and Jeffrey Rennie. Donations are requested to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or charity of choice. MARLENE FRIEDMAN LANDY Former Omahan Marlene Landy died Aug. 22 in Denver, CO, at the age of 62. Services were held Aug. 25 at Temple Emanuel in Denver. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lester Friedman. She is survived by her husband, Richard Landy; children, Brian Landy, Ellen Landy-Steward and Matthew Landy; and four grandchildren, Athena Landy-Steward, Celeste Landy, Corinne Landy and Nora Landy, all of Denver; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Judy Friedman of Los Angeles, CA; and sister and brother-inlaw, Felicia and Stan Schrier. Memorials to Temple Emanuel, 51 Grape St., Denver, CO or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The New Year’s issue publishes Sept. 10. Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office during the Jewish holidays, the deadlines will be as follows: Issue Deadline Sept. 24 Tuesday, Sept. 14 Oct. 1 Wednesday, Sept. 22 Oct. 8 Tuesday, Sept. 28 Oct. 15 Tuesday, Oct. 5 Questions? Call 334.6448.
The rabbis went on to make the implementation of this law extremely difficult. They declared that the law can not be applied unless both the father and mother agree and are willing to bring their son to court. Furthermore, the law can not be applied if the mother’s appearance both in voice and height -- is not equal to the father. Next, by giving a literal reading to every word of the text--“his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him out and they shall say...”, the rabbis found more loopholes in the law. They decided that if either parent is one-armed or armless, or mute, or blind, or deaf, the son is not wayward and defiant since his parents--because of their physical limitations--would not be able to perform the acts described in the text. With all these restrictions in place, the rabbis (in Sanhedrin 8:4 and 71a ) stated that the case of the wayward and defiant son had never happened and never will. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai concluded that, “There never was nor ever will be a wayward and defiant son.” (This meant that there never was nor ever will be a situation in which the law was actually applied..) Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai then says, “Why then was it written? So that we should expound the law and receive reward.” The Talmud seems to state the following principle. A son can be condemned as wayward and defiant only if the entire blame can be placed upon him, and only if the parents, in no way, either directly or indirectly, cause their son’s behavior. The reading of this text emphasizes to parents, or any person involved in raising children, the seriousness and responsibility that accompanies this task. In Proverbs 33:6, the Hebrew Bible says, “Train a lad in the way he ought to go and he will not swerve from it even in old age.” We must teach our children good values by showing them--by our example how to live a good and committed Jewish life. But what do we do if our children don’t follow the path we hoped for? The story is told of Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (1698 1760) who was once approached by a parent distraught over his son’s wayward and defiant behavior. The parent said, “My son isn’t following the way of Torah. What shall I do?” “Do you love your son?” asked the rabbi. “Of course I do,” said the father. And Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer replied, “Then love him more.”
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Wanted Responsible Person Drive and Oversee 2 children 3-5 afternoons per week
491-0828
Pulverent e MONUMENT CO.
Frank L. Ciciulla Jr. 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
1439 So. 13th
341-2452
College Students
Receive the Jewish Press for FREE! Just fill out the form below and return it to us.
Name ________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________________ New Phone _____________________________________________ Effective Date ____________________________________________ Mail this coupon to:
The Jewish Press 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 or see bottom of page 8 for email address and Fax number
Project Seeks Information on Small-town Wisconsin Jews by ANDREW MUCHIN Project Director Wisconsin Small Jewish Communities History Project What do Harry Houdini, Edna Ferber, Jackie Mason, Eppie Lederer (AKA Ann Landers), Pauline Phillips (AKA Abigail Van Buren) and Ben Hecht have in common? All lived in small Wisconsin Jewish communities-illusionist Houdini and writer Ferber in Appleton, comedian Mason in Sheboygan, columnists and sisters Lederer and Phillips in Eau Claire and playwright Hecht in Kenosha. They and thousands of other Jews lived in more than 200 Wisconsin villages, towns and cities beginning in the 1840s, the Wisconsin Small Jewish Communities History Project has discovered. The project, a program of the Wisconsin Society for Jewish Learning, continues to seek information about small-town Wisconsin Jewry. Of course, not every Wisconsin Jew has remained in the Badger State. Thus, in this 350th anniversary year of Jewish settlement in North America, the history project is going national in the quest for information about the following subjects: • Jewish individuals and families who have lived in Wisconsin outside of Madison and Milwaukee; • How these Jews earned a living and contributed to the development of their towns; • The buildings where they lived, worshiped and worked; • The Jewish institutions they created and how they related to their non-Jewish neighbors; • Any artifacts or documents they possess or left behind; • Newspaper clippings or locally written histories about Jewish life. To provide information, contact 414.963.4135 or wsjl@execpc.com.
Classifieds
Got Husker tickets you can’t use? Need a ride to Kansas City? Want to sell your ‘gently used’ baby furniture?
Reach your buyer through jBay– the new classified ad section for individuals in the Jewish Press! What a deal--36 words for just $18 (30¢ for each additional word). Call the Press, 402.334.6448 for more info.
Here’s my ad for jBay: Name ________________________________________ Address _______________________________________ City, State and Zip _______________________________ Phone _______________ Check enclosed for $ _________ Mail to jBay, The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 The Jewish Press jBay classifieds are only for use by individuals–businesses should contact the Advertising Department– Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Ray Pred, 334.6559, for display ads.
Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 27, 2004
Friedel Embarks on “Exciting New Year” by JORDANA L. KURTZMAN for the Friedel Jewish Academy Friedel Jewish Academy opened its doors for the 40th year as Omaha’s only community Jewish day school on Aug. 25 with 28 students, a 21% increase over last year. Over the past year, there has been an explosion of interest in the Jewish community about Friedel, especially from parents new to Omaha. School principal Cookie Katskee believes one of the reasons for this increased attention is the willingness of parents to participate and make Friedel successful and meaningful. She’s eager to start the new school year, which will be packed with stimulating enrichment programs for the children especially in the areas of library studies and science. Moreover, she “is thrilled to be working with seasoned professionals, including new staff members, who will make this Friedel’s best year ever.” Among the new staff members is Mary Jane Tweedy, Assistant Administrator. Tweedy co-owned a small engine repair shop with her husband for years before taking on this position. The mother of four grown children is “looking forward to working about young children” as well as enjoying Friedel’s traditional ice cream on Friday afternoons. Anna Besser, former Education Director of Beth El, has also joined Friedel as one of its Judaic studies teachers. Besser, who is fluent in Hebrew and Russian, will be teaching Judaic studies to the students. Anna has worked closely with Na’ama Arzi this summer to ensure the children receive a full scope of Jewish education. Arzi, who is returning for her third year at Friedel, will teach Hebrew language to all of the chil-
dren, using the Tal Am and Tal Sela cur- dents this year. After working outside the riculum. This Heritage Communicative teaching milieu for the past year, she Language series contains Jewish studies said that she is “looking to having content, but the program is taught to the Saturdays off again” in addition to being students in Hebrew. The practice of able to give her students a hug in the teaching Hebrew through immersion mornings. Sather had previously taught rather than by drilling vocabulary and at Friedel for 10 years. grammatical rules has made Friedel stuDenise Bennett, who begins her 17th dents virtually bilingual. year at Friedel as the fourth, fifth and When asked how she feels about sixth grade teacher, has many plans for teaching all the coming the school’s year, includstudents, Arzi ing science said, “It’s fun units on photo have a tosynthesis, connection physical with all the geography, kids because and electriciyou can interty. act with She is also everyone.” eager to Returning teach her stufor her sevdents about enth year as social studies, Friedel’s one of her kindergarten favorite areas teacher, Diana of interest. Zeman plans Returning for her 17th year is general studies teacher Bennett plans on teaching Denise Bennet, left; Barb Sather has come back to Friedel to “study the children after a two-year hiatus. about the about the world’s tropical rainforests. election process and follow the presiZeman is excited about her seven new dential election. We’re even going to students becoming “part of the Friedel have a mock election,” adding, “I can’t family,” but on a professional level, she believe the last election was four years is just as enthusiastic about “the staff and ago--it feels like yesterday!” the way we work together as a team.” Friedel Jewish Academy is also fortuReturning to Friedel after a two-year nate enough to have the volunteer servhiatus, Barbara Sather feels like she’s ices of art teacher Julie Phillips and coming home again. While setting up music teacher Tuffy Epstein. Phillips her classroom for the start of the school teaches the children about different year, she smiled when she saw her desk artists and art techniques each year, so in its familiar spot. Sather will be teach- the curriculum is always varied and ing the first, second, and third grade stu- refreshing for the children.
Pavel Tsyrlin Recipient of Academic Excellence Scholarship
LIVESatelliteBroadcast jewish community center theater
BernardLewis Understanding Our World: Bernard Lewis on the Middle East in Transition.
Join Professor Bernard Lewis as he shares with us his thoughts on Iraq and the Middle Eastern power balance. Lewis is the Cleveland E. Dodge Professor of Near Eastern Studies Emeritus at Princeton University and the author of The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist; From Babel to Dragomans: Interpreting the Middle East and The Crisis of Islam: Holy War, among other books. Lewis is internationally recognized as one of our era’s greatest historians of the Middle East and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages.
T
rs hu
day, Septem be r9
th
at
7 :0 0
pm
by MARY SUE GROSSMAN at Burke. He’s headed to Atlanta, GA, JELS Administrator next month to attend Emory University, The Financial Aid Committee of Jewish and plans to pursue a business degree. Educational & Library Services announced Lillian Keiser Stoms and her brother that Pavel Tsyrlin was selected as the David Stoms were native Omahans and 2004-05 scholarship recipient from the this fund was established in their memoDavid Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms ry by their niece, Sally Clayman. Two Foundation Education Endowment Fund other scholarships were also established for Academic Excellence. This award is in memory of David Keiser and Lillian based strictly on scholarship, with high school grade point averages and SAT/ACT scores used as the primary measure to determine the winner. Pavel, son of Gregory and Jane Tsyrlin, arrived in the U.S. in 1991 from Bobruisk, Belarus. He was four-and-a-half years old and didn’t speak a word of English. Years later, Dr. Aveva Shukert, Chairman of JELS’ Scholarship Committee, Pavel was chosen to presents the Keiser-Stoms Award to Pavel Tsyrlin. be the head tutor of the ESL (English as Keiser Stoms. a Second Language) and peer tutoring The Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational programs. Fund was established to benefit and A 2004 graduate of Burke High School, assist in the education of Jewish youth Pavel was valedictorian of his class, living in a single parent family or Jewish President of DECA (marketing club), and single parents with custody of their chilVice-president of National Honors dren. The David Keiser and Lillian Society. As a Youth Leadership of Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Omaha Ambassador, he was selected to Endowment Fund provides funding for be a student ambassador at Burke. university scholarships to Jewish youth “My grandparents--Aron and Lyubov who earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. These Blyakher--were very important in shap- two funds are based on financial need. ing the person I am today,” Tsyrlin For information on any scholarship added. “Through their example, I have program, please call the JELS office at learned the values and hard work neces- 334.6445. Those interested in contributsary to do your best.” ing to or endowing scholarship and loan A fan of superstar Andy Roddick, Pavel funds should contact Marty Ricks in the also played four years of varsity tennis Foundation Office at 334.6440.
The music lessons the students receive from Epstein give the children a chance to express their individuality by allowing them to choose their instruments yet gain the discipline of practicing together as a group. The Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors also started the school year off with several new board members, including Stacie Brodkey, Debbie Denenberg, Rhonda Hayward, Ian Jacobs, Joe Kirshenbaum, Ruti Margalit, Jim Polack and me. This group joins current board members Margie Alperson, Bonnie Bloch, Bob Eisenberg, Maggie Gerber, Jerry Gordman, Kim Novak, Eric Phillips, Yaffa Podbilewicz-Schuller, Margo Riekes, Ben Shapiro, and Kathy Weiner. Lloyd Roitstein, a longtime member of the Friedel Board of Directors, is serving as President of the board this year. Roitstein, who succeeded outgoing president Maggie Gerber, feels “we have the strongest board and staff in the history of Friedel, and we are striving to make Friedel the best its ever been to meet the needs of our families. Our biggest goal is to inform the Jewish community of how wonderful the Academy is and how important it is to our people.” The Friedel board serves to organize and coordinate numerous behind-thescenes activities at the Jewish Day School, including student recruitment, public relations, and fundraising. Members of the board also manage extracurricular activities, run the ParentTeacher Organization, and oversee various administrative functions of the school. For more information about the school, board or parents’ activities, contact Cookie Katskee at FJA, 334.0517.
Tickets $5 Order tickets by calling JCC Member Services at 334-6426. For any additional information, contact Rachel Blum at 334-6404.
Co-sponsored by Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS)